How do I do this but still preserve non-default properties of sprites. For example I create a player object, adjust say it's max Speed. Then when I import it into a new layout it has the default max speed.

Depending on your intentions and development for the game, I would suggest using a text variable or global variable to keep track of your sprites attributes. I suggest this from experience, as it should provide more control over the sprite and reduce the chance of unexpected problems.

In otherwords, you set the sprite's speed to a global variable 'Speed' constantly or at relavent events. If you want to increase your sprite's speed you alter the global variable and the rest follows. Then on each layout you create your sprite and set its variables to the appropriate global variable. While it may seem more time consuming at first, it can prevent confusing later on in your game. But different people have different progamming habits, so anyway is free.